7 Terrific Reasons to Come to Tech Camp This Summer
Happy #TechTuesday, Encore fam! We’re still working through our post-show blues after closing The Enchanted Bookshop this weekend. Lifting our spirits? Looking toward summer! With just over two weeks of Early Bird pricing left, we’re dreaming of putting our skills to the test at Tech Camp. Unsure if it’s the place for you? Read on for seven awesome reasons to don your black clothes and become a Crew-ton this summer.
1) Learn from the Best
Our teaching artists are experienced technicians that have been working in the field of tech theatre for years. They’re a great resource for learning new skills, refining your techniques, or asking questions about a working life in the theatre.
2) Give Run Crew a Test Run
Do you usually find yourself onstage, rather than behind the scenes? Tech Camp is a wonderful way to dip your toe in the technical theatre pond, so to speak. Come give it a try – maybe you’ll have such a blast that you’ll audition for crew next season!
3) Part of the Crew, Part of the Ship
In just three short weeks, you’ll work together to create all the technical elements of a production. This hard work and tight time frame are the perfect place to bring people together to create lasting friendships. One of the greatest things of wrapping a production is celebrating with your fellow crew mates!
4) (Near) Instant Gratification
The shortened timeline of Tech Camp also allows you to see your hard work come to fruition sooner rather than later. Who doesn’t love the gratification seeing their successes quickly?
5) Max It Out
Does your schedule during the school year prevent you from being able to audition for an Encore crew during our season? Tech Camp is a fantastic opportunity to experience the whole process of being on crew, in just three weeks of the time!
6) Jack and Jill of Many Trades
Never done tech before? Not sure if your interest lies in scenic painting, prop production, or lighting design? Lucky for you, Tech Camp participants get to experience multiple aspects of the technical theatre experience, allowing you to discover new interests or delve deeper into an existing passion.
7) One Summer, Multiple Shows
The accelerated pace of our Stage Door and Tech Camp programs allow students to participate in several productions, if they so choose. Where will you travel in your technical imagination this summer? Mr. Wonka’s workshop? The chimney-ed rooftops of London? The choice is yours!
If you’re ready to jump in and roll up your sleeves as a techie this summer, sign up today! Early Bird pricing ends on Friday, February 1st, 2019 and you won’t want to miss out on your choice of shows. We look forward to building, painting, lighting, and so much more with every one of you!
Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, JR. – July 22 – August 9, 2019
Photos by Cindy Kane Photography and Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Hannah’s Encore Story (Student Editor Takeover)
Hi Encore readers! I’m Hannah, one of this year’s Student Editors. You may have caught my interview with Susan Keady here on the blog a few weeks ago. I’m excited to share my “Encore Story” with you all! Keep reading to learn about my favorite shows, memories, and advice from my experiences at Encore.
I’ll start with where my adventure with Encore began. Way back in 2013, I auditioned for Encore’s musical for that year, The Little Mermaid. I was so nervous; it was my first time trying out for a show. I didn’t make it in that time around, but I made sure to come back the next year to audition again! This time it was for Cinderella. I had learned from what I did in the previous year’s audition and made sure I did my very best this time.
To my surprise, I made it in, and got the role of Citizen # 1! I was overjoyed to be part of my very first musical and had so much fun learning about theatre for the first time. I learned all about stage directions, blocking, and even had a solo at the top of Act 2! Although auditioning for the first time was scary, it was all worthwhile because it set me on the path for five years (and counting!) of awesome theatre experience with Encore.
Since then, I’ve been in 14 more Encore shows and have learned so much. I’ve done six shows on crew and eight on cast. Some of my favorite crew positions have been ASM (assistant stage manager), runner, and house manager. Some of my favorite cast roles were Scar in The Lion King Jr, Lavinia in A Little Princess, and Humpty Dumpty in Alice in Wonderland. I started out interested in musicals and singing and have now grown to love acting, dancing, and technical crew just as much!
In my hours of putting shows together, one of my favorite memories was when I was backstage crew last year during tech week for James and the Giant Peach. One of the props for the show was a “motorcycle” with a side car. The bike was actually automated and powered by an engine! This meant that when we transported the contraption from the tech shop to the theatre we got to ride it all the way there. It may have not been the most efficient way of travel but it was definitely the most fun!
Another of my favorite memories was doing Q&As as Scar during The Lion King Jr. For many of the shows, there would be a birthday party of kids coming to see the show. Before the show we would go out and sing and then the kids and their parents would ask questions. It was really fun to see the kids reactions when the whole cast would come out in costume. And being Scar, some of the very young kids would be quite scared to see me standing in front of them. Interacting with the audience, especially the younger viewers is one of my favorite things about theatre because you get to see how they enjoyed the performance.
My final favorite Encore memory was last year’s 50th Birthday Bash. I can’t believe Encore has existed for over three times my life-span. It was an amazing night because tons of people from all the different parts of Encore in one place. I also got to perform, as well as see pictures of the past 50 years of shows. Maybe I’ll be around for the 100th Birthday Bash, who knows? Though I’ve only been around for a small portion of Encore’s timeline I’ve developed so many lifelong memories!
After my experiences with auditioning for Encore and performing I have lots of advice to give for other students interested in theatre. My first piece of advice would be to be yourself! Theatre is all about expressing yourself and directors love to see your personality shine through when you audition.
My second piece of advice would be to follow directions. Whether it be for an audition or once you’re part of a show, the directing staff have a specific vision for the show and following their instructions makes things run much smoother.
My third and final piece of advice would be to have fun! Though there are difficult things about being a part of an ensemble, a very important thing is to enjoy yourself. Theatre should be an exciting way to express yourself and if you love theatre as much as I do all the hard work it totally worth it.
That’s it! Thanks for reading and I’ll catch you all next time.
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Aimee Pangan, Andrea Smith, and Larry McClemons. Blog contribution by Hannah Knitting.
5 Reasons to Play the Day (Off) Away at Encore
January is quite the month for mini-camps. We’ve got two awesome camp days planned for when school is out, but your kids are in – engaged, that it! Read on to find out five reasons your kiddos should come play the day away at Encore.
1) All the Fun, None of the Hassle
Mini-camp is essentially a huge play date (see what we did there?) with tons of awesome kids who share your child’s interest in theatre and the arts. Even better? You don’t have to coordinate the car pool!
2) Change the Channel
During the chilly winter months, it’s easy to fall into a pattern of blankets, cocoa, and Netflix on the sofa (believe us, we know). Take this chance to log off and tune into some imagination!
3) A Trial Run
Perhaps you’ve taken one of Encore’s theatre classes in the past or tried out one of our after-school enrichment programs. Maybe you’re brand new – welcome! In any case, mini-camp is an excellent opportunity for your young artist to experience the full-day Encore camp experience for the first time. Bonus: you’re in luck! Early Bird pricing for Encore’s 2019 summer camps ends February 1st, so you’ll still have time to lock in that discount after they’ve had a blast at mini-camp.
4) Buddy Up!
Looking ahead to the sunny days of spring break? Many of our mini-campers also join us for one or more of our a la carte spring break camp days. Break will be here before you know it and it will be great to have some familiar faces to welcome your kids in April.
5) Speaking of Familiar Faces…
Many of our professional teaching artists create and play in both mini-camps and our weekly theatre classes. Our Winter session kicks off on the 26th. Come play the day away at mini-camp, then join your new teaching friends in their classes!
Our list boils down to this: Encore camps are about having fun with friends, old and new. We look forward to spending our holidays with many of you!
Camp Dates and Themes
MLK Day/JAN 21 – Incredibles
Grade Prep/JAN 28 – Wreck It Ralph
Parent/Teach Conf/MAR 8 – Robin Hood
Grade Prep/APR 1 – Paddington
Images by Aileen Pangan Christian, Larry McClemons, and Rebecca Pfeil. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
#StudioSaturday with Patrick McGee
Happy #StudioSaturday, Encore fans. Today we’re thrilled to introduce another one of our newer teaching artists, Patrick McGee! With lots of theatrical and teaching experience under his belt, he is a welcome addition to the Encore family. Read on to learn more about Patrick and the new class he’ll be teaching this Winter session.
Encore: How long have you been teaching for Encore? In which capacities?
Patrick: I started working this past summer on comedy and improvisation camps for the teens and tweens. I’ve also been teaching some of Encore’s after-school enrichment classes. I’m excited to take on the new Actor Creates class series, starting this coming Monday.
Encore: What’s the most valuable skill that theatre has taught you?
Patrick: It has taught me to be confident in who I am a person.
Encore: Why is arts education important for young people?
Patrick: Arts education is important for young people because it not only teaches the art form, but it also helps differentiate lessons so that all learners can understand concepts and ideas. It helps build social skills while enhancing the artist.
Encore: Complete this sentence: “I’m most looking forward to teaching _____ because _____.”
Patrick: I look forward to teaching The Actor Creates because there are so many tools an actor has to develop and continue to hone in on throughout their career. This class excites me for the different “ah ha!” moments that can occur.
Thank you for sharing, Patrick. We’re excited to explore acting tools and levels with Encore’s new Monday evening class: The Actor Creates. This series of classes are designed to assist in the creativity of designing a character and strengthening the actor’s imagination, making the character believable using our voice and body as instruments.
Mondays, January 14 – February 11, 2019 (No Class January 21)
Four Class Session
Times: 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
Grades 6-12 NEW!
Fee: $75
Photos by Connie Polnow, Aileen Pangan Christian, and Clarence Chan. Graphic design by Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Happy Trails to Miss Mara
This #FrontRowFriday, we bid a fond farewell to Encore’s lead teacher, Miss Mara Stewart. From Production to Education, Mara has made an incredible impact on the many students, cast members, theatre patrons, staff members, and community families with whom she’s interacted. While we will certainly feel her absence in the future, we want to take this opportunity to celebrate the wonderful presence that is Mara. Read on to read the Encore staff reflections on their time working with Mara:
Rosemarie: Mara brings positivity and to every classroom and rehearsal room she walks into. I had the honor of assisting Mara in a class last spring. Those kids hung on Mara’s every word because they not only respected her, they were inspired by her. All the best to Mara in her new adventures!
Madaline: I will definitely miss Miss Mara as the lead teacher in Education and a friend. Mara is delightful to be around and the kids love her. Mara is a team player and gives her all to assist whenever possible.
I unexpectedly had to teach a Broadway Kids class at the last minute and she took the time to share choreography that was quick and easy for me to pick up. Mara saved the day! The door is always open at Encore. I hope that she will visit us whenever she comes to the DMV. From all the kids at HPI, ¡Hasta luego! 🤗
Sara: Mara is the ultimate renaissance woman – she worked in almost every aspect of our organization and filled many roles. All of us will miss her enthusiasm, dedication, and passion for theatre education.
Shannon: Mara is a light wherever she goes. I loved seeing her work with our HPI and Early Childhood students with such creativity, joy, and kindness. Wherever she lands, they’ll be lucky to have her!
Aileen: Miss Mara is the coolest! Her Zumba warm-ups were always a hit and her choreography always made you want to get up and dance! Thank you for sharing your talent and passion for the arts at Encore.
Susan: Mara is a great person to work alongside. She is funny, thoughtful, creative and compelling. We will all miss her.
Rebecca: I love how Mara always sings her sentences around the theatre – her energy elevates the cast and makes it a fun environment for everyone. We’ll miss her a lot!
A.K.: Where do I even begin? Mara is what you’d call “one of the good ones” and it is very tough to say goodbye.
I have had the great pleasure of working with Mara in just about every capacity you can imagine, and I can truly say that she inspires me every day. From teaching together at HPI, working on productions, and sharing classes at summer camp, she has shown me that being a teacher is not a job, but a way of being.
She has taught me that the little steps are more important than where you end up. Nothing happens overnight. Looking back and seeing where you have come from is so fulfilling. I have learned from her that the end goal is only as important as the process it takes to get there. She has taught me to meet students where they are instead of expecting things from them. She has shown me how to challenge students in ways that make them feel comfortable. I have seen her work miracles with students that otherwise might not have shown up on day two.
I will miss her smile at the door, her puppy socks on Tuesdays, and her singing just about everything she says. Mara, you have become an incredibly important and influential person to me since I’ve been at Encore, and I will miss you very much as a teaching partner, fellow artist, and even more so as a friend. Thank you for all that you have shared and I hope that wherever you end up next, they know how lucky they are to have you.
*music note emoji* Goodbye to my friend Miss Mara. We hope to see you soon! *music note emoji*
While Miss Mara will be moving away, her lasting impact on Encore’s programs is undeniable, from the Healthy Play Initiative, Stage Door summer camp, Early Childhood classes, and beyond. Celebrate her contributions by joining Ms. A in our Early Childhood classes:
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
Encore’s Main Campus
4000 Lorcom Lane, Arlington, VA 22207
Wednesday mornings
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
Kinder Haus Toys
1220 N Fillmore St, Arlington, VA 22201
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Shannon McCarthy, and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy and the Encore staff.
An Enchanted Line-Up, Coming Your Way This Friday
A quaint bookshop. A lovely owner. Some unruly jewelry smugglers. A group of famous literary faces – will they be able to band together to save the day? Read on to meet a few of our heroes and consider their odds of success.
Dorothy Gale
This plucky heroine is fearless in the face of adversity, keeping her new friends by her side to face down the odds. Come see how A Likely Story bookshop stacks up against the fields of Kansas or the magic of Oz.
Sherlock Holmes
The brilliance of this renowned detective is well-known – did you catch his escapades last season? Will his wit be the key to rescuing the bookshop from disaster?
Robin Hood
A popular figure this season, this beloved rouge loves a bit of well-deserved justice. Will the curtain’s fall bring about a merry end?
Heidi
The mischief of jewelry smugglers is certainly a change from this classic character’s quiet life in the Swiss Alps; how will she handle such drama?
Tom Sawyer
This notorious trickster has been on the wrong side of the law himself, but now his bookshop home is under threat. What is there to be done?
The Queen of Hearts
This strong-willed monarch has been turning heads for years here at Encore, in productions of Alice in Wonderland and A Fairytale Christmas Carol. Will she let an assault against the bookshop stand?
Long John Silver
Hardened by years as a pirate at sea, could Silver be one of the bookshop’s best defenders?
So what do you think? Does a group of wily jewelry thieves stand a chance against our band of literary heroes? Guess you’ll have to join us at the theatre this Friday, when The Enchanted Bookshop opens to find out!
Performance Dates and Showtimes:
Fridays, January 11 & 18, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Saturdays, January 12 & 19, 2019 at 11 am and 3 pm
Sundays, January 13 & 20, 2019 at 3 pm
Photos by Mary Anne Penning, Larry McClemons, and Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
#StudioSaturday with Julie Britt
Spring classes are coming up soon, Encore fans! Today we’re excited to check in with new teaching artist Julie Britt. Read on to learn more about Julie’s experience and her passion for the arts!
Encore: How long have you been teaching for Encore? In which capacities?
Julie: I began teaching musical theatre dance in Fall of 2018, and look forward to teaching more musical theatre dance classes and workshops this spring and at summer camp!
Encore: What’s the most valuable skill that theatre has taught you?
Julie: Theatre has helped me find myself and gain confidence in myself, made me able to speak and perform comfortably in front of people, and live my life looking through a creative and outside-of-the-box lens. Theatre has given me an understanding of the world, of different cultures and time periods, and the ability to have empathy for the plight of others by putting myself in their shoes. I have found that the joy of music gives me the ability to take myself out of the every day, and enhance the ordinary moments and experiences of life to make them extraordinary.
Encore: Why is arts education important for young people?
Julie: Arts education gives young people the ability to try things they never knew they could, and teaches them to discover their inner light and inner strength. Music and theatre can help them build confidence in themselves and strengthen their ability to empathize with others. They give young people the opportunity to open their minds to different perspectives and see the world through the eyes of another person, through history and learning how others live through their joys and struggles. Not to mention, it often involves exercise, enhances the brain, relieves anxiety, and brings laughter and joy!
Encore: What are you most excited about for the upcoming season?
Julie: I’m most looking forward to teaching theatre, music, and dance, because many of my favorite and most influential role models throughout my life have been my music and dance teachers. I’m excited to share the lessons they have taught me, along with my own learnings and experiences, with the young people that I get to work with. Music, dance, and theatre helped me grow into the fullest version of myself, and I look forward to seeing how the process transforms others too!
Are you ready to grow into the fullest version of yourself? Join Encore for a theatre class this spring – register today!
Photos by Larry McClemons and Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
New Friends and Familiar Faces in Encore’s Winter Session
Happy #FrontRowFriday, Encore fans! We’re buzzing with the energy that a new year brings. We’re psyched to get started with the Winter session of Encore’s theatre classes. We’ve got so much in store, for old friends and new. Read on to learn just a few fun faces you can expect to see…
Imaginary Friends
Join your teacher and classmates in Let’s Play Pretend as you explore different themes and imagined environments throughout the Winter session. With a new focus and friends each class, this adventure is great for both first-timers and repeat participants.
Harold and His Purple Crayon
Take inspiration from this literary favorite and let your creativity run wild! Branch out to create new stories, characters, and entire worlds. This class is a wonderful first step into theatre for those who are getting familiar with a more structured classroom environment.
Your Favorite Personalit-seas
Who knows which tour guides may lead you through your new underwater home – the Rainbow Fish, Sebastian, or maybe even Nemo! The class will work together to develop plots and scenarios surrounding some of our favorite aquatic characters.
Robin Hood
Already excited for Encore’s upcoming production of Robin Hood? What better way to shorten the wait? Take your acting abilities to the next level as you collaborate with classmates to stage scenes with the help of your teacher as you explore the world of Robin Hood and his merry band.
The Chorus Line
Do you watch The Greatest Showman, So You Think You Can Dance, or classic movie musicals with stars in your eyes? Saturday Showstoppers is your ticket to the top! You’ll work towards joining the chorus line of your dreams in this energetic musical theatre class. A 5, 6, 7, 8!
Your Own Creation
Encore is excited to premiere a brand-new class series on Monday evenings, for grades 6-12: The Actor Creates! Work closely with a professional teaching artist to develop the skills that bring performers success onstage, on screen, and beyond!
Psst… Have you heard? Summer camp registration is now open – with Early Bird pricing!
So we’ve reviewed some familiar faces you may come across in our Winter classes, but we almost forgot the most important one…yours! Will you brighten our day and join us on a theatre adventure? Visit our website or call our offices at 703-548-1154 to register today!
Photos by Larry McClemons, Connie Polnow, and Aileen Pangan Christian. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
5 Encore Resolutions for an Outstanding 2019
And with that, we flip over to a new calendar – welcome to 2019, Encore fans! We here at Encore hope that your holiday season has been full of fun and rest in equal measure. I love how this time of year is full of possibilities. The calendar is brimming with chances to try something new! Read on to steal a few of our Encore resolutions:
1) Get Excited for #EncoreSummer
Summer camp registration is open now! Visit our Summer Camp page to learn more about our programs, ranging from one to three weeks, for ages 3-18. Still unsure which program is right for you? Join us this Saturday, January 5th for our first-ever Summer Camp Open House!
2) Step Behind the Curtain (or Onstage)
Do you usually find yourself walking the boards as hilarious or dramatic new characters? Maybe it’s time to give crew a try. Stage fright? Summoning the courage to audition for an onstage role can be a great learning experience.
3) Help Us Help You
It takes a village to put on a season of Encore productions, four sessions of theatre enrichment classes, and a summer full of camps. We are so thankful for our awesome participants, teachers, donors, and volunteers! They make our jobs so much easier and help us produce amazing work year in and year out.
4) Gift the Theatre
The arts are a gift that keeps on giving – inspirational, entertaining, and intellectual all at once. Gifting a season subscription or a general Encore gift card will brighten up your loved one’s year!
5) Take a Break…
…spring break, that is! While you’re registering for your #EncoreSummer, take care of your planning in one fell swoop. Spring break camp is now posted! For public or private school, registration is a la carte; choose the camp days and extended day options that work best for your family. Join in on the fun!
We are so pumped to share 2019 with all of you. We can’t wait to see you in the audition room, the audience, the classroom, and summer camp! (Psst! Early Bird registration closes Friday, February 1st, so register today to save!)
Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian and Larry McClemons. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.
Epic Encore Moments of 2018
With the new year just around the corner, we want to take a moment to reflect on the year we’re leaving behind. We checked in with some of Encore’s staff members to learn more about their favorite moments of 2018.
Aileen Pangan Christian, Director of Marketing and Design: I have two:
Watching the Lioness hunt in The Lion King, I thought it was a beautiful number and our cast was amazing! The music was tense and the very last moment of the number was powerful; it took my breath away!
I love seeing the front of house crew work well together and bring their acting/theatre skills to the lobby when they greet our patrons. There was a particular moment at Sherlock Holmes when our crew started a takeover on Instagram, and they were fabulous! One of our crew members said “This is the best front of house crew ever!” It melted my heart!
Sara Duke, Executive Director: One of my favorite memories of 2018 was working on Peter Pan Jr. at our Stage Door Summer camp in July. The wonderful students and staff made every day so much fun. I especially recall the hard work we put in to the “Fly to Your Heart” song/dance that transports the audience from the nursery to Neverland. It was beautiful to see it all come together on opening night!
Madaline Langston, Education Programs Manager: Every production, class, activity, and participant is uniquely different. It is challenging for me to find one moment that stands out over all the wonderful moments of 2018. In Jingle ARRGH the Way, I saw past Camp Aides, camp participants, and Education volunteers rise to another level of professionalism. I marveled at their growth and look forward to all that is to come in the future.
Halloween 2018
Shannon McCarthy, Registrar: My Encore highlight for 2018 is definitely joining the full-time staff as the Registrar. I learned so much from these awesome people during my Apprenticeship, so I’m thrilled that I get to work side by side with them every day. And, obviously, we know how to have some fun!
Rebecca Pfeil, Production Manager: This summer I stage managed Seussical. I mentioned to cast member A.K. that I loved how during the final number she made a point of waving specifically at the youngest audience members. During the final performance, she bent down and then looked directly up at the booth to wave to me. I really love Seussical as a show and that moment made the final performance even more special.
Susan Keady, Artistic Director: My favorite thing this year – the entire run of Lion King, but especially the first song. I have waited to direct the show for a long time, but this year we had the perfect staff, admin, creative team, crew and amazing cast in place. They worked from October through February to opening night to make the show perfect and it was. The performance of that song will always stand out as a favorite moment in my career. Plus, we sold out an 800 seat house – always a bonus to have an artistic and financial success for Encore.
Caolan Eder, Arts Apprentice: I always love when kids find creative solutions to a problem. Some of my students this year were passionate about martial arts and wanted to do a skit that featured stage combat, but I told them we didn’t have time to work out safe fight choreography. I expected them to replace the fight with verbal sparring, but instead they came up with this great sequence of magical “attacks” where no one could actually get hurt – a bit like Star Wars force battle meets wizard duel. Not the solution I was thinking of, but it worked!
Rosemarie O’Connor, Development Associate: I remember coming to see the closing performance of Lion King and being so inspired by the kids as they came in during “Circle of Life”. It showed off their hard work and collaboration in such a clear light.
Alana Gibson, Arts Apprentice: My Encore highlight of the year would be starting my apprenticeship! I’ve been very blessed and lucky to get a job in my field straight out of college because a lot of people don’t really get that chance. The amount of skills I’ve learned within the almost four months being here have been great learning experiences and I’m sure that I’ll use them forever! Happy New Year!!
With that, we wave goodbye to 2018 and all of the magical moments it gave us. We can’t wait to see what 2019 has in store for all of our participants, students, staff, volunteers, and extended Encore family. Have a safe and happy holiday break from all of us here at Encore Stage & Studio!
Photos by Larry McClemons, Aileen Pangan Christian, Connie Polnow, and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy with thanks to the entire Encore staff.